Mother's Day is not for the weak

"Mother and Child" by Gustav Klimt

Today is Mother's Day, which is also known as the day on which I wrestle with the meanings of motherhood and daughterhood. I guess these issues for me stem not so much from my actual experiences as the daughter of my mom, but from the values and expectations we assign to each. They are just so obvious, overbearing, and annoying on this day.

Today is filled with pink, softness, and sexism. Pink "feminine" cards, pastel flower arrangements, and (often men-written) ads for diamonds and kitchen appliances are everywhere. But is this really all that motherhood, and womanhood, amounts to now? Sparkly things that embellish women's appearances and cooking gadgets that profit all in the family? We are bombarded with and encouraged to perpetuate these images that only seem to show a narrow view of motherhood, a view that seems convenient for patriarchy. And so, I wonder, are pink flowers, shiny jewelry, and extra KitchenAids really what our mothers want to be recognized for in their accomplishments as mothers?

Now, I'm not a mother, but I know some, and I think these women would share that motherhood is about strength, courage and perseverance. Mothers are the warriors, fighting on the front lines for our children. Mothers are the life-giving force in the history of our generations. It even seems incongruous equating mothers with warriors or forces on a "soft" day like Mother's Day, and how ironic is that.

So let us appreciate the full meaning of motherhood: the strength, the patience, the nurture, the forgiveness, the protectiveness, and whatever else truly describes your mothers. Whether you do it with flowers, jewelry, a book, a bike or even simply a phone call or a hug.

And now I will leave you with a slightly creepy but still somewhat appropriate unknown image (meaning I simply yanked it from "Google Images") of Mother Earth: